2004’s Metal Gear Solid 3 is one of the best games ever made. Taking the Metal Gear series to the 60s, this prequel was brilliant in how it took the series out of military bases and into the jungle. With innovative camouflage and injury systems, plus some of the most iconic boss fights ever made, MGS3 was an instant classic that has been rereleased several times over the years. Now the game has been totally remade as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, and Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece has never been better.
First off, it’s important to note that this is an incredibly faithful remake. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies here as the core of the game has largely stayed the same, and it is near-identical content-wise. While the lack of surprises might be disappointing to some, there are plenty of small tweaks and a new modern control style that allow the game to shine brighter than ever before while still being incredibly faithful. It isn’t a total overhaul, like Resident Evil 4’s remake was, but that’s probably for the best, as MGS3 still feels incredibly rewarding to play without any huge changes.
While there’s a legacy control option available for those looking for nostalgia, which comes complete with an overhead camera and first-person aiming, I had a great time playing with the modern controls. Like Metal Gear Solid V, you can use over-the-shoulder aiming to move and shoot at the same time. A lot of mechanics from The Phantom Pain have returned, such as the cover system and crouch walking, so it plays like a dream under the new control scheme.
There are also some great quality-of-life changes that Konami has smartly added. Using the d-pad, you can quickly change between your different camouflage options on the go, plus you can quickly choose who to call via your radio (a real time saver). There’s also a wonderful photo mode, as you can really appreciate the updated visuals that way, as Naked Snake has never looked better. As someone who used to be wowed over the Snake Eater pachislot cutscenes, it’s incredible to now play a version that looks just as good.
When I say that the game is incredibly faithful to the original, I mean it. Everything from the Ape Escape Snake vs. Monkey crossover to the Guy Savage Easter egg has been faithfully recreated. All of the neat things you could do in the original, such as sniping The End early or letting him die of old age, are possible here as well. Konami has done a fantastic job of keeping everything that made Snake Eater feel special in the game, while also adding some new charming touches, including an incredible Godzilla Minus One reference.
Both MGS3’s boss fights and story still hold up remarkably well in Metal Gear Solid Delta. The new gameplay tweaks and modern control scheme make all of the boss fights really shine. From the memorable encounters against The Pain and The Sorrow to the iconic final fight with The Boss, Metal Gear Solid 3 has never felt better. The beautifully done cutscenes also help the story resonate as much as it did in 2004.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Review: Final Verdict
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a lovingly made remake of a perfect video game. Beautifully remade and filled with polish, it allows players to have the experience they remember having in 2004 without having to wear rose-tinted glasses. Konami has done a great job in staying faithful while making sure it to improve its gameplay. Big Boss, it’s great to see you again.
SCORE: 10/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 10 equates to “Masterpiece.” This is the rare release that transcends genre and must be experienced by all fans of the medium.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review. Reviewed on version 1.001.001.
